Self-centering guide rod system for a rifle scope turret

ABSTRACT

An optic device turret for adjusting the optical element of the optic device. A spiral cam mechanism is engaged with the turret to define a maximum and minimum adjustment of the optical element. A rotation indicator displays the amount a knob has been rotated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application of and claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/682,502 filed Jun. 8,2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to the field of optic sighting devices.More particularly, the disclosure relates to devices and methods forconveniently adjusting such optics.

BACKGROUND

A turret is one of two controls on the outside center part of a riflescope body. Turrets are marked in increments and are used to adjustelevation and windage for points of impact change. Conventional turretshave markings on them that indicate how many clicks of adjustment havebeen dialed in on the turret, or an angular deviation, or a distancecompensation for a given cartridge. A click is one tactile adjustmentincrement on the windage or elevation turret of a scope.

In order to achieve accurate sighting of objects at greater distances,the downward acceleration on the projectile imparted by gravity is ofsignificance. The effect of gravity on a projectile in flight is oftenreferred to as bullet drop because it causes the bullet to drop from theshooter's line of sight. For accuracy at longer distances, the sightingcomponents of a gun must compensate for the effect of bullet drop. Anadjustment to the angular position of the rifle scope relative to therifle barrel is made using the elevation turret to compensate for bulletdrop.

Similarly, any horizontal forces imparted on the projectile, such aswind, is of significance. The effect of wind on a projectile in flightis often referred to as drift because it causes the bullet to driftright or left from the shooter's line of sight. For accuracy at longerdistances, the sighting components of a gun must compensate for theeffect of drift. An adjustment to the angular position of the riflescope relative to the axis of the rifle barrel is made using the windageturret to compensate for drift.

Conventional turrets allow for multiple rotations in order to enable thescope to compensate for longer-range targets or environmental conditionssuch as wind. Unfortunately, conventional turrets typically omit atleast one of the following functions: adjustment stops that preventadjustment of the elevation and windage turrets beyond preset amounts,rotation indicator/counter, or turret locking. As a result, users ofconventional turrets may lose track of how many rotations are dialed inif they do not carefully count the number of rotations both whiledialing away from the zero point and when dialing towards the zero pointeven when the turret's markings are visible. Furthermore, turrets can beeasily bumped, and in dark conditions where it may be difficult to seethe turret markings, the user may not realize the turrets have beeninadvertently adjusted if the turret lacks a locking mechanism.

Another difficulty with existing rifle scopes is that certain operatingconditions require the user to remember both how many clicks and thedirection of rotation needed to return the elevation turret to its zeropoint from a different setting. When light conditions are poor, such asat twilight, night, or in darkened rooms of buildings, or if it isdifficult for the user to hear or feel the clicks, it is very easy forthe user to lose track of what adjustment is needed to return to thezero point. Under such conditions, the markings may not be sufficientlyvisible and the absence of a tactile rotation indicator is keenly felt.This is particularly significant for police and military users offirearms, who in the course of their duties may very likely beconfronted with a threat under poor lighting conditions. In addition,hunters may hunt at twilight or in deep shade.

Because of the need for compact rifle scope components, markings arenecessarily small, making them difficult to read under borderlineconditions. While this may be a concern when making fine adjustments, itis of greater concern when a user must make large changes involvingseveral revolutions of a knob, which may lead to an error in the numberof revolutions made.

Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved rifle scope withadjustment stops that prevents adjustment of the elevation and windageturrets beyond preset amounts. There is also a need for visual andtactile indication of how many rotations have been dialed in on aturret. Finally, there is a need for a turret locking mechanism so theuser can be assured that the turret is still in its last used position.In this regard, the various embodiments substantially fulfill at leastsome of these needs. In this respect, the spiral cam mechanism accordingto the present invention substantially departs from the conventionalconcepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides anapparatus primarily developed for the purpose of preventing adjustmentof a turret beyond a preset amount, giving the user an indication of howmany rotations have been dialed on the turret, and giving the user theability to lock the turret.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention provides an improved rifle scopewith adjustment stops, rotation indicator, and locking mechanism, andovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the priorart.

In one embodiment, the devices and methods disclosed herein allow forthe locking and un-locking of a rifle scope turret using guide rods andself-centering bushings that avoid binding during actuation.

In one embodiment, a rifle scope turret has self-centering bushings toprevent binding caused by minor mis-alignment of the corresponding guiderods. These floating bushings afford more tolerance in the case of aturret that happens to be actuated at a slight angle from its axis,preventing binding of the turret during actuation. This binding is theprimary cause of users not successfully locking or unlocking the currentL-Tec turret, so the invention represents a major increase inreliability.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a device comprising a scopebody, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by thescope body, and a turret having a screw operably connected to theoptical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotationof the screw. The turret has a spiral cam mechanism engaged thereto. Theturret defines first and second stop surfaces positioned for engagementby the spiral cam to limit rotation of the turret. The first stopsurface defines a zero position of the screw and the movable opticalelement. The second stop surface defines a maximum point of displacementof the screw and the moveable optical element. The stop surfaces may bedefined by a spiral cam groove in the indexing portion of the turret.The spiral cam groove may overlap itself at least partially. The turretmay be an elevation turret or a windage turret.

In order to initially sight in an optical sighting device such as arifle scope, the top cap of the turret must be removed to expose theturret screw and micro adjuster with a given indicia of scale. In orderto remove a top cap of a turret, one must generally use a screw driveror coin to unscrew the cap from the turret. Then one must use a screwdriver to turn the turret screw.

The applicant has discovered that such a method and mechanism foradjusting the screw turret is not desirable for a number of reasons.First, one must carry with them the tools necessary to take the top capoff, to adjust the screw and to replace the cap. Second, having to takethe top cap off, to adjust the screw and to replace the cap takes timewhich is inconvenient when needing to shoot rather quickly. Third, theact of taking the top cap off, adjusting the screw and replacing the capcould alert the target, such as when hunting. Fourth, changing the microadjuster with a given indicia of scale to another indicia of scale, forexample to account for the effect of bullet drag, altitude, temperature,etc., requires even more disassembly of the turret and further compoundsthe problems previously discussed.

Therefore, a need exists for a turret that needs no tool to adjust andcan be quickly and conveniently changed in the field to account for anumber of environmental factors and changes in equipment.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a sighting device that allowsmovement of an optical element by multiple knobs on a single turret. Thesighting device includes a turret, a movable optical element and ascrew. The screw is engaged with the movable optical element so thatrotating the screw causes the movable optical element to move. Theturret includes an outer knob that is operably connected to the screw sothat rotating the outer knob causes the screw to rotate. The turret alsoincludes a top knob that is engaged with the movable optical element sothat rotating the top knob also causes the screw to rotate. The top knobis also movable between a raised position and a lower position. When thetop knob is in the raised position, the top knob can rotate. When thetop knob is in the lower position, the top knob cannot rotate.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a sighting device thatallows movement of an optical element by multiple knobs on a singleturret and tool-less locking and unlocking of at least one knob. Thesighting device includes a sighting device body, a movable opticalelement that is connected to the sighting device body, a turret and ascrew. The turret includes a bore, an outer knob and a top knob. Thescrew is engaged with the movable optical element to move the movableoptical element. The screw is also least partially received in the boreso that the screw is rotated by rotating either the outer knob or thetop knob. The top knob is movable between a locked position wherein thetop knob cannot rotate and an unlocked position wherein the top knob canrotate.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a sighting device thatallows tool-less rotation of multiple knobs on a single turret,tool-less locking and unlocking of the knobs and adjustable limits tothe rotation of a knob. The sighting device includes a turret. Theturret includes an outer knob and a tool-less top knob. The tool-lesstop knob is movable between a locked position wherein the top knobcannot rotate and an unlocked position wherein the tool-less top knobcan rotate. The rotation of the tool-less top knob may be selectivelylimited. In another embodiment, the invention provides a sighting devicethat allows tool-less adjustment of an optical element by multiplescales on a single turret. The sighting device includes an opticalelement and a tool-less means for adjusting the optical element by afirst scale and a second scale.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a sighting device thatallows tool-less adjustment of an optical element by multiple means on asingle turret. The sighting device includes an optical element. Theoptical element includes a turret. The turret includes a first tool-lessmeans for adjusting the optical element by a first scale and a secondtool-less means for adjusting the optical element by a second scale.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or moreaspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or moreother aspects can lead to certain other objectives. Other objects,features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will beapparent in this summary and descriptions of the disclosed embodiment,and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects,features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above astaken in conjunction with the accompanying figures and all reasonableinferences to be drawn therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the rifle scope withadjustment stops.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective exploded view of an elevation turret screwsubassembly.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective exploded view of the elevation turret screwsubassembly and turret housing.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an elevation turret chassis andelevation indicator.

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of an elevation cam disc.

FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective view of the elevation cam disc.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the elevation cam disc inserted into theelevation turret chassis with the elevation cam disc rendered partiallytransparent.

FIG. 7A is a top perspective exploded view of the elevation turretchassis subassembly.

FIG. 7B is a side sectional view of the elevation turret chassissubassembly of FIG. 8A taken along the line 7B-7B.

FIG. 8A is a top perspective exploded view of the elevation turretchassis subassembly, elevation turret screw subassembly, and turrethousing.

FIG. 8B is a side sectional view of the elevation turret chassissubassembly, elevation turret screw subassembly, and turret housing.

FIG. 9A is a top perspective exploded view of an elevation microadjuster and elevation outer knob.

FIG. 9B is a side sectional view of the elevation micro adjuster,elevation outer knob, elevation turret chassis subassembly, andelevation turret screw subassembly of FIG. 1 taken along the line 9B-9B.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a windage turret chassis.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the windage cam disc of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of the windage turret of FIG. 3 takenalong the line 12-12.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the rifle scope with adjustmentstops of FIG. 1 taken along the line 13-13.

FIG. 14A is a rear view of the rifle scope with adjustment stops of FIG.1 with the elevation turret in the locked position.

FIG. 14B is a rear view of the rifle scope with adjustment stops of FIG.1 with the elevation turret in the unlocked position.

FIG. 15A is a rear view of the rifle scope with adjustment stops of FIG.1 with the elevation turret having made one rotation.

FIG. 15B is a rear view of the rifle scope with adjustment stops of FIG.1 with the elevation turret having made two rotations.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an opticdevice with multiple knob turrets.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a multiple knob turret of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the multiple knob turret of FIG. 16taken along the line 18-18.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the multiple knob turret of FIG. 18with the top knob in a raised position.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a top lockinggear.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a top lockinggear and display.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a dial anddisplay.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of another alternate embodiment of amultiple knob turret.

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of another alternate embodiment of amultiple knob turret.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of asecond top knob turret.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the multiple knob turret of FIG. 24taken along the line 26-26.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the multiple knob turret of FIG. 26with the second top knob in a raised position.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a turret in a locked position witha self-centering bushing.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a turret in an unlocked positionwith a self-centering bushing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the rifle scope with spiral cam mechanism is shown andgenerally designated by the reference numeral 10.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an improved sighting device, suchas a rifle scope with spiral cam mechanism 10. More particularly, therifle scope or a sighting device 10 has a body 12, in the embodimentshown, a scope body, that encloses a movable optical element 248 (shownin FIG. 13), which is an erector tube. The scope body is an elongatetube having a larger opening at its front 14 and a smaller opening atits rear 16. An eyepiece 18 is attached to the rear of the scope body,and an objective lens 20 is attached to the front of the scope body. Thecenter axis of the movable optical element defines the optical axis 506of the rifle scope.

An elevation turret 22 and a windage turret 24 are two dials on theoutside center part of the scope body 12. They are marked in incrementsby indicia 34 on their perimeters 30 and 32 and are used to adjust theelevation and windage of the movable optical element 248 for points ofimpact change. These turrets protrude from the turret housing 36. Theturrets are arranged so that the elevation turret rotation axis 26 isperpendicular to the windage turret rotation axis 28. Indicia typicallyinclude tick marks, each corresponding to a click, and larger tick marksat selected intervals, as well as numerals indicating angle ofadjustment or distance for bullet drop compensation.

The movable optical element 248 is adjusted by rotating the turrets oneor more clicks. A click is one tactile adjustment increment on thewindage or elevation turret of the rifle scope, each of whichcorresponds to one of the indicia 34. In one embodiment, one clickchanges the scope's point of impact by 0.1 mrad.

FIG. 2 illustrates the improved turret screw subassembly 88. Moreparticularly, the turret screw subassembly consists of a turret screw38, a turret screw base 60, a friction pad 86, and various fasteners.The turret screw is a cylindrical body made of brass in one embodiment.The top 40 of the turret screw defines a slot 48, and two opposing camslots 46 run from the top part way down the side 44. Two O-ring grooves50 and 52 are on the side located below the cam slots. The bottom 42 ofthe turret screw has a reduced radius portion 56 that defines a ringslot 54. The ring slot 54 receives a retaining ring 84, and a bore 304in the bottom 42 receives the shaft 306 of the friction pad 86. The sideof the turret screw immediately below the O-ring groove 52 and above thering slot 54 is a threaded portion 58. In one embodiment, the slot 48 isshaped to receive a straight blade screwdriver, but could be shaped toreceive a hex key or any other suitable type of driver.

The turret screw base 60 is a disc-shaped body made of brass in oneembodiment. A cylindrical collar 66 rises from the center of the top 62of the turret screw base. The collar has a turret screw bore 68 withthreads 70. The exterior of the collar defines a set screw V-groove 78above the top of the turret screw base, an O-ring groove 76 above theset screw V-groove, an O-ring groove 74 above the O-ring groove 76, anda ring slot 72 above the O-ring groove 74. The turret screw base hasthree mount holes 82 with smooth sides and a shoulder that receivescrews 80.

FIG. 3 illustrates the improved turret screw subassembly 88 and turrethousing 36. More particularly, the turret screw subassembly 88 is shownassembled and in the process of being mounted on the turret housing 36.The top 92 of the turret housing defines a recess 94. Three mount holes96 with threads 98 and a smooth central bore 508 are defined in the topof the turret housing within the recess.

The threads 70 of the turret screw bore 68 are fine such that the turretscrew bore may receive the threads 58 on the turret screw 38. Theretaining ring 84 limits upward travel of the turret screw so that theturret screw cannot be inadvertently removed from the turret screw bore.

When the turret screw subassembly 88 is mounted on the turret housing36, screws 80 are inserted into the mount holes 82 and protrude from thebottom 64 of the turret screw base 60. The screws are then screwed intothe mount holes 96 in the turret housing to mount the turret screw baseto the turret housing. Subsequently, the turret screw base remains in afixed position with respect to the scope body 12 when the elevationturret 22 is rotated. This essentially makes the turret screw basefunctionally unitary with the scope body, and the turret screw base isnot intended to be removed or adjusted by the user. The smooth centralbore 508 in the top of the turret housing permits passage of thefriction pad 86 and the bottom 42 of the turret screw into the scopebody.

FIG. 4 illustrates the improved elevation turret chassis 100. Moreparticularly, the top 110 of the elevation turret chassis has aninterior perimeter 102 with a relief cut 240 adjacent to the floor 264,a toothed surface 108 above the relief cut, a lower click groove 106above the toothed surface, and an upper click groove 104 above the lowerclick groove. The relief cut is for the tool that cuts the toothedsurface. The floor defines a smooth central bore 120 and a slot 122. Thesmooth central bore permits passage of the friction pad 86 and thebottom 42 of the turret screw through the turret chassis.

The exterior perimeter 112 of the turret chassis 100 defines an O-ringgroove 244. Near the bottom 116 of the turret chassis, the exteriorperimeter widens to define a shoulder 114. Three holes 118 with threads158 communicate from the exterior perimeter through the turret chassisto the smooth bore 120. In one embodiment, the turret chassis is made ofsteel.

The slot 122 in the floor 264 of the turret chassis 100 communicateswith a hole 124 in the exterior perimeter 112 of the turret chassis. Thehole 124 receives a rotation indicator, which in this embodiment is anelevation indicator 136. The rear 140 of the elevation indicator definesa cam pin hole 154. The front 138 of the elevation indicator has twostripes 148 and 150 and an O-ring groove 152. The stripe 148 divides afirst position 142 from a second position 144. The stripe 150 divides asecond position 144 from a third position 146. In one embodiment, theelevation indicator is made of painted black steel, and the stripes arewhite lines that do not glow, but which could be luminous in analternative embodiment.

The cam pin hole 154 receives the bottom 134 of a cam pin 126. In oneembodiment, the cam pin is a cylindrical body made of steel. The top 128of the cam pin has a reduced radius portion 130 that defines a shoulder132. The reduced radius portion of the cam pin protrudes upward throughthe slot 122 above the floor 264 of the turret chassis 100.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an improved elevation cam disc 160. Moreparticularly, the elevation cam disc is made of steel with a top face162 and a bottom face 164. The top has a reduced radius portion 166 thatdefines a shoulder 168 around the exterior perimeter 170 of theelevation cam disc. The top also defines three mount holes 180 withthreads 182. A reduced radius central portion 176 defines a shoulder 172and a smooth central bore 178. The smooth central bore permits passageof the turret screw subassembly through the elevation cam disc.

A radial clicker channel 186 in the top 162 of the exterior perimeter170 receives a clicker 188 that reciprocates in the channel, and isbiased radially outward. The front, free end 190 of the clickerprotrudes from the exterior perimeter. In one embodiment, the clickerhas a wedge shape with a vertical vertex parallel to the axis ofrotation of the turret and is made of steel.

The bottom 164 of the elevation cam disc 160 is a planar surfaceperpendicular to the elevation turret rotation axis 26 that defines arecessed spiral channel 184. The spiral channel terminates in a zerostop surface 198 when traveled in a clockwise direction and terminatesin an end of travel stop surface 200 when traveled in a counterclockwisedirection. When traveled in a counterclockwise direction, the spiralchannel defines a first transition 194 and a second transition 196 whenthe spiral channel begins to overlap itself for the first time andsecond time, respectively. The spiral channel is adapted to receive thereduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The spiral channel andthe stop surfaces are integral to the elevation cam disc and are notadjustable.

FIG. 6 illustrates an improved elevation cam disc 160 and improvedturret chassis 100. More particularly, the elevation cam disc is showninstalled in the turret chassis. The spiral channel 184 receives thereduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126. The clicker 188 protrudesfrom the clicker channel 186 in the exterior perimeter 170 of theelevation cam disc. A spring 202 at the rear 192 of the clickeroutwardly biases the clicker such that the clicker is biased to engagewith the toothed surface 108 on the interior perimeter 102 of the turretchassis. When the elevation cam disc rotates as the elevation turret 22is rotated when changing elevation settings, the clicker travels overthe toothed surface, thereby providing a rotational, resistant force andmaking a characteristic clicking sound.

In one embodiment, the toothed surface 108 has 100 teeth, which enables100 clicks per rotation of the elevation turret 22. The spiral channel184 is formed of a several arcs of constant radius that are centered onthe disc center, and extend nearly to a full circle, and whose ends arejoined by transition portions of the channel, so that one end of theinner arc is connected to the end of the next arc, and so on toeffectively form a stepped spiral. This provides for the indicator toremain in one position for most of the rotation, and to transition onlyin a limited portion of turret rotation when a full turret rotation hasbeen substantially completed. In another embodiment, the spiral may be atrue spiral with the channel increasing in its radial position inproportion to its rotational position. In the most basic embodiment, thechannel has its ends at different radial positions, with the channelextending more than 360 degrees, the ends being radially separated bymaterial, and allowing a full 360 degree circle of rotation with thestop provided at each channel end.

The elevation turret 22 is positioned at the indicium 34 correspondingto 0° of adjustment when the cam pin 126 is flush with the zero stopsurface 198. In one embodiment, the spiral channel 184 holds the cam pin126 in a circular arc segment at a constant distance from the rotationaxis 26 until the elevation turret has rotated 9 mrad (324°). The firsttransition 194 occurs as the elevation turret rotates counterclockwisefrom 9 mrad (324°) to 10 mrad (360°). During the first transition, thespiral channel shifts the cam pin 126 towards the exterior perimeter 170so the spiral channel can begin overlapping itself. As the elevationturret continues its counterclockwise rotation, the spiral channel holdsthe cam pin 126 in a circular arc segment at a constant further distancefrom the rotation axis 26 until the elevation turret has rotated 19 mrad(684°). The second transition 196 occurs as the elevation turret rotatescounterclockwise from 19 mrad (684°) to 20 mrad (7200°). During thesecond transition, the spiral channel shifts the cam pin 126 evenfurther towards the exterior perimeter 170 so the spiral channel canoverlap itself a second time. As the elevation turret continues itscounterclockwise rotation, the spiral channel holds the cam pin 126 in acircular arc segment at a constant even further distance from thecentral bore 178 until the elevation turret has rotated 28.5 mrad(1026°). At that time, the cam pin is flush with the end of travel stopsurface 200, and further counterclockwise rotation of the elevationturret and elevation adjustment are prevented. In one embodiment, thefirst and second transitions are angled at about 36° (10% of therotation) to enable adequate wall thickness between the concentriccircular arc segments about the rotation axis 26 of the spiral channel.The cam pin diameter determines the overall diameter of the turret.Because there are three rotations, any increase in diameter will bemultiplied by three in how it affects the overall turret diameter. Inthe preferred embodiment, a cam pin diameter of 1.5 mm provides adequatestrength while remaining small enough to keep the overall diameter ofthe turret from becoming too large.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an elevation turret chassis subassembly 230.More particularly, the turret chassis subassembly is assembled byinserting a locking gear 206 into the turret chassis 100 on top of theelevation cam disc 160. The elevation turret chassis subassembly isshown in the locked position in FIG. 7B.

The locking gear 206 has a top 208 and a bottom 210. The top 208 definesthree mount holes 216 with threads 218. The locking gear also definesthree smooth mount holes 220 and a central smooth bore 222. The bottom210 of the locking gear defines a toothed surface 214. The toothedsurface 214 extends downward below the bottom 210 of the locking gear toencircle the reduced radius portion 166 of the top 162 of the elevationcam disc 160 when the turret chassis subassembly is assembled. In oneembodiment, the toothed surface 214 has 100 teeth to mesh precisely withthe 100 teeth of the toothed surface 108 on the interior perimeter 102of the turret chassis 100 when the elevation turret 22 is locked.

Four ball bearings 226 protrude outwards from bores 232 in the exteriorperimeter 212 located between the toothed surface and the top. Springs400 behind the ball bearings outwardly bias the ball bearings such thatthe ball bearings are biased to engage with the upper click groove 104and lower click groove 106 on the interior perimeter 102 of the turretchassis 100. When the locking gear rises and lowers as the elevationturret 22 is unlocked and locked, the ball bearings travel between thelower and upper click grooves, thereby providing a vertical, resistantforce and making a characteristic clicking sound.

When the turret chassis subassembly 230 is assembled, screws 224 areinserted into the mount holes 220 and protrude from the bottom 210 ofthe locking gear 206. The screws are then screwed into the mount holes180 in the top 162 of the elevation cam disc 160 to mount the lockinggear to the elevation cam disc. Subsequently, the locking gear 206remains in a fixed rotational position with respect to the elevation camdisc when the elevation turret 22 is unlocked and rotated. The heads 234of the screws 224 are much thinner than the depth of the mount holes 220from the top 208 of the locking gear to the shoulders 236. The screws224 have shoulders 228 that contact the top 162 of the elevation camdisc 160 when the screws are secured. As a result, the locking gear 206is free to be raised until the heads of the screws contact the shoulders236 and to be lowered until the bottom of the locking gear contacts thetop of the elevation cam disc. This vertical movement is sufficient forthe toothed surface 214 of the locking gear to be raised above thetoothed surface 108 of the turret chassis 100, thereby enabling theelevation turret to be unlocked and free to rotate.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an elevation turret chassis subassembly 230,turret screw subassembly 88, and turret housing 36. More particularly,the turret chassis subassembly is shown assembled and in the process ofbeing mounted on the turret screw subassembly in FIG. 8A and mounted onthe turret screw subassembly in FIG. 8B.

When the elevation turret chassis subassembly 230 is mounted on theturret screw subassembly 88, the top 40 of the turret screw 38 and thecollar 66 of the turret screw base 60 pass upwards through the smoothcentral bore 120 of the turret chassis 100, the smooth central bore 178of the elevation cam disc 160, and the central smooth bore 222 of thelocking gear 206. A retaining ring 246 is received by the ring slot 72in the collar to prevent the elevation turret chassis subassembly frombeing lifted off of the turret screw subassembly. Three recesses 245 inthe bottom 116 of the turret chassis receive the heads of the screws 80that protrude from the top 62 of the turret screw base 60 so the bottom116 of the turret chassis can sit flush against the top 92 of the turrethousing 36.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an improved elevation turret 22 with the topcap 308 removed. More particularly, the outer knob 268 is inserted overthe top 110 of the turret chassis 100 so that the bottom 272 of theouter knob rests against the shoulder 114 of the turret chassis. The top270 of the outer knob defines a recess 274 with threads 276. The top ofthe outer knob also defines three mount holes 280 and a smooth centralbore 284. Each of the mount holes 280 receives a screw 282. The screws282 are screwed into mount holes 216 in the top 208 of the locking gear206. The perimeter 30 of the outer knob has three holes 300 in theknurled portion 310. The holes 300 communicate with the central bore284.

The recess 274 of the outer knob 268 receives an elevation microadjuster 266 when the elevation turret 22 is assembled. The microadjuster is a disc with a smooth central bore 292 and a downward facingcentral shaft 286. The shaft defines an O-ring groove 296 immediatelybelow the disc-shaped portion of the micro adjuster. The shaft defines aV-groove 294 immediately below the O-ring groove, and two cam pin holes288 immediately below the V-groove. Each of the cam pin holes receives acam pin 290. When the elevation turret 22 is assembled, the shaft 286 isreceived by the bore 284 in the outer knob 268 and by the bore 222 inthe locking gear. The cam pins are received by the cam slots 46 in theturret screw 38.

The micro adjuster 266 is used to provide infinite adjustability of thepoint of aim instead of limiting the point of aim to coincide withturret click positions. The micro adjuster rotates such that the indicia291 indicate how much adjustment is being made. A flat blade screwdriveris inserted into the slot 48 on the top 40 of the turret screw 38 tomake the adjustment once the outer knob is disengaged from the V-groove294 in the micro adjuster.

O-rings 298, 508, 252, 260, 262, 258, and 254 seal the elevation turret22 to protect its components from the elements.

FIG. 10 illustrates an improved windage turret chassis 338. Moreparticularly, the top 344 of the windage turret chassis has an interiorperimeter 340 with a relief cut 362 adjacent to the floor 364, a toothedsurface 342 above the relief cut, a lower click groove 360 above thetoothed surface, and an upper click groove 358 above the lower clickgroove. The floor defines a smooth central bore 366 and a slot 368. Thesmooth central bore permits passage of the friction pad 478 and thebottom 468 of the turret screw 446 through the turret chassis.

The exterior perimeter 346 of the turret chassis 338 defines O-ringgroove 352. Near the bottom 350 of the turret chassis, the exteriorperimeter widens to define a shoulder 348. Three holes 354 with threads356 communicate from the exterior perimeter through the turret chassisto the smooth bore 366. In one embodiment, the turret chassis is made ofsteel.

The slot 368 in the floor 364 of the turret chassis 338 receives thebottom 372 of a cam pin 370. In one embodiment, the cam pin is acylindrical body made of steel. The top 376 of the cam pin has a reducedradius portion 378 that defines a shoulder 374. The reduced radiusportion of the cam pin protrudes upward through the slot 368 above thefloor 364 of the turret chassis 338.

FIG. 11 illustrates an improved windage cam disc 322. More particularly,the windage cam disc is made of steel with a top 510 and a bottom 326.The top has a reduced radius portion 514 that defines a shoulder 516around the exterior perimeter 518 of the windage cam disc. The top alsodefines three mount holes 522 with threads 524. A reduced radius centralportion 502 defines a shoulder 526 and a smooth central bore 328. Thesmooth central bore permits passage of the friction pad 478 and thebottom 468 of the turret screw 446 through the windage cam disc.

A clicker channel 512 in the top 510 of the exterior perimeter 518receives a clicker 334. The front 336 of the clicker protrudes from theexterior perimeter. In one embodiment, the clicker is made of steel.

The bottom 326 of the windage cam disc 322 is a planar surfaceperpendicular to the windage turret rotation axis 28 that defines arecessed spiral channel 324. The spiral channel terminates in an end oftravel stop surface 330 when traveled in a clockwise direction andterminates in an end of travel stop surface 332 when traveled in acounterclockwise direction. When traveled in a counterclockwisedirection, the spiral channel gradually moves outwards from the bore 328so the spiral channel can slightly overlap itself. The spiral channel isadapted to receive the reduced radius portion 130 of the cam pin 126.The spiral channel and the stop surfaces are integral to the windage camdisc and are not adjustable. To provide a full 360° of rotation, thecenter points of the semi-circular ends of the channel are at the samerotational position on the disc, at different radial distances from thecenter of the disc. More than 360° of rotation could also be provided asdescribed with respect to the elevation cam disc 160 above.

When the windage cam disc 322 is installed in the turret chassis 338,the spiral channel 324 receives the reduced radius portion 378 of thecam pin 370. The clicker 334 protrudes from the clicker channel 512 inthe exterior perimeter 518 of the windage cam disc. A spring 412 at therear 410 of the clicker outwardly biases the clicker such that theclicker is biased to engage with the toothed surface 342 on the interiorperimeter 340 of the turret chassis. When the windage cam disc rotatesas the windage turret 24 is rotated when changing windage settings, theclicker travels over the toothed surface, thereby providing arotational, resistant force and making a characteristic clicking sound.

In one embodiment, the toothed surface 342 has 100 teeth, which enables100 clicks per rotation of the windage turret 24. The windage turret 24is positioned at the indicium 90 corresponding to 0° of adjustment whenthe cam pin 370 is located at the midpoint 320 of the spiral channel324. The spiral channel holds the cam pin 126 in an arc segment at aconstantly increasing distance from the rotation axis 28. The spiralchannel 324 permits one-half of a revolution either clockwise orcounterclockwise from the zero point 320, which is 5 mrad in oneembodiment. At that time, the cam pin is flush with an end of travelstop surface, and further rotation of the windage turret and windageadjustment are prevented. The spiral channel 324 could be reconfiguredto allow various other mrads of travel from the zero point 320.

FIG. 12 illustrates an improved windage turret 24. More particularly,the windage turret 24 is substantially identical in construction to theelevation turret 22 except for changes to the spiral cam disc andelimination of the elevation indicator. Although the windage turretcould similarly include a windage indicator and spiral cam disc withmore than one revolution, in practice, one revolution of the turret hasbeen sufficient to adjust for lateral sighting adjustments.

The turret screw subassembly 528 consists of a turret screw 446, aturret screw base 490, a friction pad 478, and various fasteners. Theturret screw is a cylindrical body made of brass in one embodiment. Thetop 442 of the turret screw defines a slot 444, and two opposing camslots run from the top part way down the side 530. Two O-ring grooves464 and 494 are on the side located below the cam slots. The bottom 468of the turret screw has a reduced radius portion 470 that defines a ringslot 472. The ring slot 472 receives a retaining ring 476, and thebottom 468 receives the shaft 480 of the friction pad 478 in a bore 474.The side of the turret screw immediately below the O-ring groove 494 andabove the ring slot 472 is a threaded portion 492. In one embodiment,the slot 444 is shaped to receive a straight blade screwdriver.

The turret screw base 490 is a disc-shaped body made of steel in oneembodiment. A cylindrical collar 498 rises from the center of the top532 of the turret screw base. The collar has a turret screw bore 533with threads 534. The exterior of the collar defines a set screwV-groove 458 above the top of the turret screw base, an O-ring groove456 above the set screw V-groove, an O-ring groove 454 above the O-ringgroove 456, and a ring slot 452 above the O-ring groove 456. The turretscrew base has three mount holes 536 with smooth sides and a shoulderthat receive screws 486.

The threads 534 of the turret screw bore 533 are fine such that theturret screw bore may receive the threads 492 on the turret screw 446.The retaining ring 476 limits upward travel of the turret screw so thatthe turret screw cannot be inadvertently removed from the turret screwbore.

A locking gear 548 is inserted into the turret chassis 338 on top of thewindage cam disc 322. The windage turret 24 is shown in the lockedposition in FIG. 12. The locking gear has a top 402 and a bottom 326.The top 402 defines three mount holes 538 with threads 540. The lockinggear also defines three smooth mount holes 426 and a central smooth bore500. The bottom 326 of the locking gear defines a toothed surface 542.The toothed surface 542 extends downward below the bottom 326 of thelocking gear to encircle the reduced radius portion 514 of the top 510of the windage cam disc 322 when the turret chassis subassembly 544 isassembled. In one embodiment, the toothed surface 542 has 100 teeth tomesh precisely with the 100 teeth of the toothed surface 342 on theinterior perimeter 340 of the turret chassis 338 when the windage turret24 is locked.

Four ball bearings 404 protrude outward from bores 408 in the exteriorperimeter 546 located between the toothed surface and the top. Springs406 behind the ball bearings outwardly bias the ball bearings such thatthe ball bearings are biased to engage with the upper click groove 358and lower click groove 360 on the interior perimeter 340 of the turretchassis 338. When the locking gear rises and lowers as the windageturret 24 is unlocked and locked, the ball bearings travel between thelower and upper click grooves, thereby providing a perpendicular,resistant force with respect to the optical axis 256 and making acharacteristic clicking sound.

When the turret chassis subassembly 544 is assembled, screws 422 areinserted into the mount holes 426 and protrude from the bottom 326 ofthe locking gear 548. The screws are then screwed into the mount holes522 in the top 510 of the windage cam disc 322 to mount the locking gearto the windage cam disc. Subsequently, the locking gear remains in afixed rotational position with respect to the windage cam disc when thewindage turret 24 is unlocked and rotated. The heads 424 of the screws422 are much thinner than the depth of the mount holes 426 from the top402 of the locking gear to the shoulders 550. The screws 422 haveshoulders 428 that contact the top 510 of the windage cam disc 322 whenthe screws are secured. As a result, the locking gear is free to beraised until the heads of the screws contact the shoulders 550 and to belowered until the bottom of the locking gear contacts the top of thewindage cam disc. This vertical movement is sufficient for the toothedsurface 542 of the locking gear to be raised above the toothed surface342 of the turret chassis 338, thereby enabling the windage turret to beunlocked and free to rotate.

When the windage turret chassis subassembly 544 is mounted on the turretscrew subassembly 528, the top 442 of the turret screw 446 and thecollar 498 of the turret screw base 490 pass upwards through the smoothcentral bore 366 of the turret chassis 338, the smooth central bore 328of the windage cam disc 322, and the smooth central bore 500 of thelocking gear 548. A retaining ring 450 is received by the ring slot 452in the collar to prevent the windage turret chassis subassembly frombeing lifted off of the turret screw subassembly. Three recesses 552 inthe bottom 414 of the turret chassis receive the heads of the screws 486that protrude from the top 532 of the turret screw base 490 so thebottom 414 of the turret chassis can sit flush against the top of theturret housing 36. O-rings 488 seal the screws 486 within mount holes536. An O-ring groove 482 in the bottom 554 of the turret screw basereceives an O-ring 484 to seal the bottom of the turret screw baseagainst the top of the turret housing 36.

The outer knob 380 is inserted over the top 344 of the turret chassis338 so that the bottom 556 of the outer knob rests against the shoulder348 of the turret chassis. The top 392 of the outer knob defines arecess 558 with threads 382. The top of the outer knob also definesthree mount holes 560 and a smooth central bore 562. Each of the mountholes 560 receives a screw 398. The screws 398 are screwed into mountholes 538 in the top 402 of the locking gear 548. The perimeter 32 ofthe outer knob has three holes 384 in the knurled portion 312. The holes384 communicate with the central bore 562.

The recess 558 of the outer knob 380 receives an windage micro adjuster388 when the windage turret 24 is assembled. The micro adjuster is adisc with a smooth central bore 390 and a downward facing central shaft448. The shaft defines an O-ring groove 394 immediately below thedisc-shaped portion of the micro adjuster. The shaft defines a V-groove592 immediately below the O-ring groove, and two cam pin holes, similarto the pin hole 288 seen in FIG. 9B, immediately below the V-groove.Each of the cam pin holes receives a cam pin, similar to the cam pin 290seen in FIG. 9B. When the windage turret 24 is assembled, the shaft 448is received by the bore 562 in the outer knob 380 and by the bore 500 inthe locking gear. The cam pins are received by the cam slots in theturret screw 446.

The micro adjuster 388 is used to provide infinite adjustability of thepoint of aim instead of limiting the point of aim to coincide withturret click positions. Indicia on the micro adjuster rotate to indicatehow much adjustment is being made. A flat blade screwdriver is insertedinto the slot 444 on the top 442 of the turret screw 446 to make theadjustment once the outer knob is disengaged from the V-groove 592 inthe micro adjuster.

O-rings 440, 396, 460, 462, 466, 436, 484 and 488 seal the windageturret 24 to protect its components from the elements.

FIGS. 13-15B illustrate an improved rifle scope turret with spiral cammechanism 10. More particularly, the rifle scope 10 is shown in use.FIGS. 14A and 14B show the elevation turret 22 in the locked andunlocked positions, respectively. The elevation turret is unlocked byraising it parallel to the rotation axis 26. This upward motiondisengages the toothed surface 214 of the locking gear 206 from thetoothed surface 108 of the turret chassis 100. The elevation turret isthen free to rotate to the extent permitted by the spiral channel 184 inthe elevation cam disc 160. Lowering the elevation turret engages thetoothed surface of the locking gear 206 with the toothed surface 108 ofthe turret chassis. This downward motion returns the elevation turret tothe locked position.

When “0” on the outer knob 268 is facing the user, the cam pin 126 isresting against the zero stop surface 198, which prevents any furtherdownward adjustment of the turret screw 38. Zero on the outer knob isthe distance the rifle scope 10 is sighted in at when no clicks havebeen dialed in on the elevation turret and references the flight of theprojectile. If the rifle scope is sighted in at 200 yards, it is said tohave a 200 yard zero.

When the elevation turret 22 is unlocked, the user rotates the elevationturret counterclockwise for longer range shots than the sight-indistance of the rifle scope 10. Rotation of the turret adjusts theamount of the turret screw 38 that extends from the bottom of theturret. As is shown in FIG. 13, the turret applies a downward force inthe form of elevation pressure to the moveable optical element 248 viathe friction pad 86. The windage turret 24 applies a sideways force inthe form of windage pressure to the movable optical element via thefriction pad 478. These forces are balanced by a biasing spring pressureapplied to the moveable optical element by a biasing spring at an angleof about 135 degree. with respect to both the elevation pressure and thewindage pressure.

Once a full revolution is made on the elevation turret 22, the elevationindicator 136 pops out from hole 124 in the exterior perimeter 112 ofthe turret chassis 100. The position of the elevation indicator afterone revolution is shown in FIG. 15A, in which the first position 142,stripe 148, and second position 144 are visible. After a secondrevolution is made on the elevation turret, the elevation indicatorextends further outwards radially as shown in FIG. 15B, in which thestripe 150 and a portion of the third position 146 are newly visible.When the user dials the turret back down by rotating the turretclockwise, the indicator retracts back into the turret chassis. As aresult, the indicator provides both visual and tactile indication to theuser of which of the nearly three revolutions the elevation turret ison.

The windage turret functions substantially identically to the elevationturret except for lacking an elevation indicator. Although the windageturret could similarly include a windage indicator, in practice, onerevolution of the turret has been sufficient to adjust for lateralsighting adjustments.

In another embodiment, a plurality of knobs is provided on a turret. Atleast one knob, such as top knob 600, in addition to the outer knob canbe located on the windage turret the elevation turret or both. Theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 shows a top knob 600 on each of thewindage and elevation turrets, but more than two top knobs can beutilized as seen in FIG. 24, for example first top knob 600 and secondtop knob 700. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the top knob 600includes a dial 602, a display 604 and a top locking gear 606.

As seen in FIG. 18, the top locking gear 606 has a shoulder 610 thatseparates an upper hollow post 612 from a lower hollow post 614. Theupper and lower hollow posts 612, 614 are connected via a central bore616. The exterior of the lower hollow post 614 is shaped and sized tofit within the central bores 178, 222, 284. The interior of the lowerhollow post 614 is shaped and sized to snuggly fit around the top of theturret screw 38 such that when the top locking gear 606 is rotated, theturret screw 38 is rotated. For example, as seen in FIGS. 18-19, theinterior of the lower hollow post 614 has projections 608 that fitwithin the cam slots 46 in the turret screw 38.

The bottom of the exterior of the lower hollow post 614 can be threadedto engage a threaded lock washer 650. The threaded lock washer 650resides in a wide grooved portion 652 of the central bore 284 of theouter knob 268. The wide grooved portion 652 allows the lock washer 650to ride up and down, but limits the lock washer's range of motion. Thuswhen the top knob 600 is lifted up to its raised or unlocked position,the top end of the wide grooved portion 652 stops the lock washer 652and thus prevents the top knob from being withdrawn from the turretcompletely.

At the outer edge or exterior perimeter of the shoulder 610 is a toothedsurface 620. In one embodiment, the toothed surface 620 has a firstplurality of 100 teeth to mesh precisely with a second plurality of 100teeth of the toothed surface 622 on the recess 274 of the outer knob 268when the top knob is in its lower or locked position as is seen in FIG.18. When the top locking gear 606 is in its lower position, theinteraction between the toothed surfaces 620, 622 prevents the toplocking gear from rotating. When the top locking gear 606 is in itsraised position, as seen in FIG. 19, the toothed surface 620 is nolonger engaged with the toothed surface 622 allowing the top lockinggear to rotate, thereby rotating the screw 38 which moves the movableoptical element 248. The raising and lowering of the top knob 600provides a another means of adjusting the screw 38 and thereby theoptical element 248, in addition to the outer knob 268, without the useof tools. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-19, the top knob 600 issmaller in diameter than the outer knob 268. In order to move the screw38 the same amount of degrees, the outer perimeter 30 of the outer knob268 needs to travel a greater distance than the outer perimeter of thetop knob 600.

In one embodiment, the screw 38 is connected to a spiral cam mechanism10 as discussed above. Thus, when the screw 38 is rotated, such as byrotating the first top knob 600, the amount the first top knob can berotated is limited by the zero stop surface 198 and the end of travelstop surface 200. Optionally, the rotation indicator 136 will alsochange in response to the rotation of the first top knob 600, therebyindicating the amount of rotation.

Other methods of creating rotation limits are known in the industry andthe use of which are included within the scope of the invention. Oneexample of a rotation limit, in addition to the zero stop(s) and stopsurfaces described above, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,420, whichis owned by the Applicant and is hereby incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety for all purposes. For example, when the screw 38 isrotated, such as by rotating the first top knob 600, the amount thefirst top knob can be rotated could be limited by the stop surface 66 atthe end of track 60 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,420.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-19, rotation of the top knob 600does not directly cause rotation of the outer knob 268. However, ifdesirable, the top knob 600 could be engaged with the outer knob 268such that the rotation of the top knob 600 directly causes rotation ofthe outer knob 268.

The top of the shoulder 610 provides a seat for the display 604. Theexterior of the upper hollow post 612 and the central bore 630 of thedisplay 604 could be threaded such that the display is screwed or placedonto the upper hollow post 612 until it is seated on the shoulder 610.The central bore 630 of the display 604 could also be smooth and slidonto the upper hollow post 612. The dial 602 has a threaded bore 640,which screws onto the threaded upper hollow post 612 to sandwich andthereby releasably retain the display 604 together with the top lockinggear 606. The dial 602 also allows the display 604 to be changed withoutthe use of tools.

Four ball bearings 624 protrude outwards from bores 626 in the exteriorperimeter 628 of the top locking gear 606 located between the toothedsurface 620 and the top of the shoulder 610. Springs 632 behind the ballbearings 624 outwardly bias the ball bearings such that the ballbearings engage with the upper click groove 634 and lower click groove636 on the recess 274 of the outer knob 268. When the top locking gear606 rises and lowers as the top knob 600 is unlocked and locked, theball bearings 624 travel between the lower and upper click grooves 636,634, thereby providing a vertical, resistant force and making acharacteristic clicking sound.

Because the display 604 can be removed from the top knob 600, byunscrewing the dial and sliding the display off of the upper hollow post612, if not threaded, or unscrewed, if threaded, the display can beconveniently and quickly replaced with another display without the useof tools. For example, a hunter may have a display with indicia of scaleto adjust for the drag for a particular bullet or projectile. Whilehunting, the hunter may desire to use a different bullet and thus mayneed a display with indicia of scale to adjust for the drag of thatparticular bullet. The hunter may unscrew and remove the dial, removethe first display and replace it with a second display, thereafterreplacing the dial. Thus, the top knob 600 provides a means foradjusting the movable optical element for any number of scales, in theexample provided a first scale for the drag of a first projectile and asecond scale for the different drag of a second projectile. Similarly,one could switch between a display for internal and external conditionssuch as bullet drop, bullet path, altitude, temperature, wind drift,pressure, humidity, spin drift, altitude, gravity, latitude, corioliseffect, etc. Further, using the top knob with an indicia of scalesmaller than the indicia 34 on the outer knob 268 allows a shooter tosight in a gun at a specific range without having to use tools to removethe outer knob and/or top cap 308 and adjust the turret screw 38 with,for example, a flat blade screwdriver as described above. Thecombination of a top knob and outer knob provides a first and secondmeans for adjusting the movable optical element for a first scale, forexample by using the outer knob, and a second scale, for example byusing the top knob.

During assembly of the turret, the top knob 600 is inserted into theouter knob 268 before the outer knob is inserted over the top 110 of theturret chassis 100 as described with respect to FIGS. 9A and 9B. Thelock washer 650 is inserted into the wide grooved portion 652 of theouter knob 268 and held in position. The top knob 600 is inserted intothe outer knob 268 such that the threaded portion of the lower hollowpost 614 engages the threaded lock washer 650. While preventing the lockwasher 650 from spinning, the top knob 600 can be screwed into the lockwasher 650. Then the screws 282 can be inserted through the holes 660 inthe shoulder 610 of the top locking gear 606 into the mount holes 280 ofthe outer knob 268. The screws 282 can then be screwed into mount holes216 in the top 208 of the locking gear 206 as described with respect toFIGS. 9A and 9B.

Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 shows three holes 660 inthe shoulder 610 of the top locking gear 606, any number of holes couldbe used to provide access for the screws 282. For example, in FIGS.20-23 only one hole 660 is included in the shoulder 610 of the toplocking gear 606. To assemble, the top locking gear 606 is rotated suchthat the single hole 660 is lined up with one of the mount holes 280 anda screw 282 is threaded. Then the top locking gear 606 is rotated suchthat the single hole 660 is lined up with a second one of the mountholes 280 and another screw 282 inserted. This process is continueduntil all the screws 282 have been threaded.

The top knob 600 could have more or less components than describedabove. For example, as seen in FIG. 21, the display 604 and top lockinggear 606 could be a unitary structure. In FIG. 23, the entire top knob600 is one unitary structure. The embodiment shown in FIG. 23 alsodiscloses a removable plug 670 that can be inserted into the hole 660 toprevent water, dirt or debris from entering the internal components ofthe turret through the hole. In FIG. 22, the display 604 and dial 602are one unitary structure. Such a top knob 600 could be manufacturedfrom a single piece of material or by joining a number of components tomake a single top knob structure as seen in FIGS. 21-23.

A turret may have one or more top knobs. In the embodiment seen in FIG.24, the turret has a first top knob 600 and a second top knob 700. Thesecond top knob 700 could be one unitary structure as seen in FIG. 25 orseparate components that create a second top knob 700 as seen in FIG.24. The second top knob 700 of FIG. 24 includes a separate second dial702, a second display 704 and a second top locking gear 706. Like thetop knob 600 described above, the second top knob 700 could have more orless components.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27, the first dial 602 of the firsttop knob 600 has a central bore 708. The second top locking gear 706 hasa shoulder 710 that separates a second upper post 712 from a secondlower post 714. The central bore 708 is sized and shaped such that theshoulder 710 of the second top locking gear 706 can be received with init. The interior of the upper hollow post 612 of the first top lockinggear 606 is sized and shaped such that the lower post 714 of the secondtop locking gear 706 can be received with in it. The lower end 716 ofthe lower post 714 is sized and shaped so as to fit in and engage theslot 48 at the top 40 of the turret screw 38 such that when the lowerpost rotates, the turret screw 38 rotates which moves the movableoptical element 248. The second top knob could also have rotation limitsand indicators such as those described with respect to the first topknob above. The raising and lowering of the second top knob 700 providesa third means of adjusting the screw 38, in addition to the outer knob268 and first top knob 600, without the use of tools.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-27, rotation of the second top knob700 does not directly cause rotation of the top knob 600 or the outerknob 268. However, if desirable, the second top knob 700 could beengaged to either or both of the top knob 600 or the outer knob 268 suchthat rotation of the second top knob 700 directly causes rotation ofeither or both of the top knob 600 or the outer knob 268.

At the outer edge of the shoulder 710 is a toothed surface 718. In oneembodiment, the toothed surface 718 has 100 teeth to mesh precisely with100 teeth of the toothed surface 720 on the interior perimeter of thecentral bore 708 of the first dial 602 when the second top knob 700 isin its lower position as is seen in FIG. 26. When the second top knob700 is in its lower or locked position, the interaction between thetoothed surfaces 718, 720 prevents the second top locking gear 706 fromrotating. When the second top knob 700 is in its raised or unlockedposition, as seen in FIG. 28, the toothed surface 718 is no longerengaged with the toothed surface 720 and the second top locking gear 706is free to rotate, thereby rotating the turret screw 38. The secondlower post 714 of the second top locking gear 706 is sized such thatwhen the second top knob 700 is in its lowered position, as see in FIG.26, there is a space 721 between the bottom of the shoulder 710 and thetop of the upper hollow post 612 of the top locking gear 606 and thebottom of the central bore 708 of the first dial 602, such that thefirst top knob 600 can be lifted to its raised position without liftingthe second top knob 700. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the lowerpost 714 of the second top locking gear 706 rests on the top 40 of theturret screw 38 when the second top knob 700 is in its lowered position.

In order to allow the second top knob 700 to be lifted to its raisedposition, as seen in FIG. 27, but not removed from the turret 22, thetop of the central bore 708 of the first dial 602 is threaded. Once thesecond top knob 700 is inserted into the first top knob 600, as seen inFIGS. 26-27, a lock washer 726 is threaded into the top of the centralbore 708 of the first dial 602 to provide an upper limit as to theamount the second top knob 700 can be raised.

The top of the shoulder 710 provides a seat for the second display 704.The exterior of the second upper post 712 and a central bore 722 of thesecond display 704 could be threaded such that the second display isscrewed onto the second upper post 712 until it is seated on theshoulder 710. The central bore 722 of the second display 704 couldalternatively be smooth and slid onto the second upper post 712. Thesecond dial 702 has a threaded bore 724, which screws onto the threadedsecond upper post 712 to sandwich and thereby releasably retain thesecond display 704 together with the second top locking gear 706. Thedial 702 also allows the display 704 to be changed without the use oftools.

Because the second display 704 can be removed from the top knob 700 byunscrewing the second dial and sliding the second display off of thesecond upper post 712 if not threaded, or unscrewed if threaded, thesecond display can be conveniently and quickly replaced with anothersecond display without the use of tools.

Four ball bearings 728 protrude outwards from bores 730 in the exteriorperimeter 732 of the second top locking gear 706 located between thetoothed surface 718 and the top of the shoulder 710. Springs 734 behindthe ball bearings 728 outwardly bias the ball bearings such that theball bearings engage with the upper click groove 736 and lower clickgroove 738 on the central bore 708 of the dial 602. When the second toplocking gear 706 rises and lowers as the second top knob 700 is unlockedand locked, the ball bearings 728 travel between the lower and upperclick grooves 738, 736, thereby providing a vertical, resistant forceand making a characteristic clicking sound.

A multiple knob turret could be used, for example during hunting. Ahunter may have previously sighted in his or her gun so that the outerknob 268 is sighted in for a select range, for example, 100 yards. If ahunter sees a desired target at 200 yards, the hunter may rotate theouter knob 268 such that the weapon will be set to accurately hit thedesired target at 200 yards.

If the gun was sighted in under conditions different than the thencurrent hunting conditions, the hunter could use the first top knob 600and/or the second top knob 700 to further refine the accuracy of thegun. For example, if the hunter is using a different type of bullet thanwas used to sight in the gun, the amount of drag on the bullet beingused for hunting may be different than the bullet used to sight in thegun. If the difference in drag is known or can be estimated, the huntermay be able to use the first top knob 600 to adjust for the differencein drag, provided the display 604 includes a scale appropriate for theadjustment of such drag.

To adjust the first top knob 600, one may pull up on the first top knob,such as by holding the outer perimeter of the first dial 602 and pullingup. As previously described, when the first top knob 600 is in theraised or unlocked position, the first top knob may be rotated.

Similarly, if the gun was sighted in at an elevation different thandifferent than the then current elevation at the hunting location, thehunter could use the second top knob 700 to even further refine theaccuracy of the gun. If the difference in elevation is known or can beestimated, the hunter may be able to use the second top knob 700 toadjust for the difference in elevation, provided the display 704includes a scale appropriate for the adjustment of such elevation.

To adjust the second top knob 700, one may pull up on the second topknob, such as by holding the outer perimeter of the second dial 702 andpulling up. As previously described, when the second top knob 700 is inthe raised or unlocked position, the second top knob may be rotated.

The ability to raise the first top knob 600 and/or second top knob 700without the use of tools is a significant advantage over currentturrets. The ability to raise the first and/or second top knob with theuse of ones hands eliminates the need to carry tools during use, isquicker and easier than current turrets that require tools and reducesthe potential for alerting a target.

Further, when the first top knob 600 and/or second top knob 700 is in alowered or locked position, the first and/or second top knob cannot berotated and is protected from unintentional and undesirable rotation ofthe knob such as if bumped.

The cooperation of the first top knob 600 and/or second top knob 700with the stop surfaces 198, 200 also prevents adjustment of the knobsbeyond preset amounts and helps prevent the loss of how many rotationsare dialed in. The addition of the rotation indicator 136 also helps onekeep track of how many rotations are dialed in even in conditions whereit is hard to see.

The first top knob 600 and/or second top knob 700 also allows the turretto adjust the screw and, thereby, the optical element for differentscales through the tool-less switching of displays with differentscales. The cooperation of the outer knob with the first top knob 600and/or second top knob 700 allows one turret to be able to adjust thescrew and, thereby, the optical element for different scales without theuse of tools.

FIG. 28 depicts a turret in a locked position with self-centeringbushings 2800 to prevent binding caused by any minor mis-alignment ofthe corresponding guide rods. Meshed splines 2810 are indicated.Components in FIG. 28 are similar to the components shown in FIGS. 5Aand 5B, with the exception of the bushing 2800. The bushing 2800 permitspassage of the turret screw subassembly through an elevation cam disc.

The floating bushings 2800 afford more tolerance in the case of a turretthat is actuated at a slight angle from its axis, preventing binding ofthe turret during actuation.

FIG. 29 depicts a turret in an unlocked position with self-centeringbushings 2800 to prevent binding caused by minor mis-alignment of thecorresponding guide rods. Unmeshed splines 2910 are shown.

While multiple embodiments of the rifle scope turret with adjustmentstops, rotation indicator, locking mechanism and/or multiple knobs havebeen described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications andvariations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above descriptionthen, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationshipsfor the parts of the invention, to include variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art,and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawingsand described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by thepresent invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilledin the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exactconstruction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, allsuitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rifle scope comprising: a scope body; a movableoptical element defining an optical axis connected to the scope body; anturret having a turret screw operably connected to the movable opticalelement for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of thescrew; the turret having a knob operably connected to the turret screwto adjust the position of the turret screw, wherein the knob has a mounthole and a self-centering bushing, wherein the mount hole receives ascrew that is screwed into a top of a locking gear; the turret having afirst stop surface positioned for engagement by an element to limitrotation of the turret, such that the position at which the elementengages the first stop surface defines a first limiting position of thescrew and the movable optical element; the turret further having asecond stop surface positioned for engagement by the element to limitrotation of the turret, such that the position at which the elementengages the second stop surface defines a second limiting position ofthe screw and the moveable optical element; and wherein rotation of thescrew causes the screw to move generally perpendicular to the opticalaxis.
 2. The rifle scope of claim 1, wherein the first stop surface andsecond stop surface are defined by a groove.
 3. The rifle scope of claim1, further comprising indicia on the knob, wherein each of the indiciacorresponds to a click stop position.
 4. The rifle scope of claim 2,wherein the groove overlaps itself at least partially.
 5. The riflescope of claim 2, wherein the groove comprises multiple circular arcsegments concentric on a central axis, wherein each of the circular arcsegments are joined by angular transition segments.
 6. The rifle scopeof claim 5, wherein the element is a cam pin received by the groove. 7.The rifle scope of claim 1, wherein the knob is an outer knob.
 8. Therifle scope of claim 1, wherein the turret is an elevation turret. 9.The rifle scope of claim 1, wherein the turret is a windage turret. 10.The rifle scope of claim 8, further comprising an elevation indicatorconnected to the cam pin, wherein the elevation indicator moves outwardsfrom the elevation turret each time the cam pin passes through anangular transition segment.